Although several colours gave excellent results, the banana industry standarised on blue for many years. In more recent years, blue, green, yellow and clear, with and without silver sides, have been used. The different colours are used as an aid in estimating bunch maturity and the silver sides reduce sunburn.

When to use covers

Where flying foxes and birds are not a problem, the covers can be put on after the bracts that cover the hands have fallen and the flower ends have hardened.

For Ladyfinger in particular, where flying foxes and bird attack are prevalent, bunch covers are put on as soon as possible after the bell emerges 

Advantages

• increased yield, especially more large-grade fruit

• more uniform fullness of fruit within the bunch

• protection from mechanical damage while the fruit is hanging in the plantation and in transport to the shed

• Some growers have found extra long bunch covers assist in preventing flying foxes and birds from climbing into bunches

• fruit with better appearance 

You can reduce sunburn by:

• using reflective covers

• maintaining enough leaves on the plant to shade the bunch.

Longevity

Polythene covers last about a year. They can be used on 2 to 3 bunches in this time.